ETZ EnergyWorks
Client: Energy Transition Zone (ETZ)
Framework: SCAPE Scotland Consultancy framework
Sector: Energy & Renewables
Value: £7.1 million
Location: Aberdeen
Completion: February 2026
“The use of the SCAPE framework has provided considerable benefits to ETZ. The cost of tendering multiple contracts and managing these processes is significant for a small company, and using pre-tendered frameworks delivered resource savings as well as a much quicker route to market.”
David Beattie
Chief Financial Officer, Energy Transition Zone
A new, low-carbon innovation campus supporting Scotland’s energy transition
The ETZ Energy Incubator project delivered a purpose-built, low-carbon development to support emerging green-energy innovators in Aberdeen. The development provides space for businesses to scale from research and development to early production, combining collaborative learning environments in the Collaborator Innovation Hub with flexible Incubator Units for developing and testing new ideas.
Part of the wider Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) programme, the project acts as a catalyst for research, collaboration, skills development and economic growth. It was funded by the UK and Scottish Governments, Scottish Enterprise, bp, and the Net Zero Technology Centre, with a key partner being the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, which will be the anchor tenant.
AtkinsRéalis was appointed through the SCAPE Scotland Consultancy framework to deliver a fully integrated, multidisciplinary design team for the project, providing Cost Management, Architecture (including Contract Administrator and Principal Designer), Civil Engineering and Mechanical and Electrical Engineering services. Appointments were made through a mix of mini-competition and direct award under framework caps, providing cost and procurement efficiencies while tailoring the team to the project’s needs. Sustainability, cost efficiency and local supply chain engagement were embedded throughout, ensuring the project delivered long-term value for the client and the wider region.
The Energy Transition Zone required a flexible and future-focused development to support early-stage businesses developing low-carbon and green-energy technologies. The project needed to provide adaptable accommodation capable of evolving alongside occupiers as they scale from research and development into initial production. A key requirement was that the development aligned closely with ETZ’s green-energy ambitions, embedding sustainable design principles and low carbon solutions throughout.
The facilities were also required to support collaboration between industry, researchers and innovators, creating shared spaces that encourage knowledge exchange, skills development and innovation. Cost certainty, procurement efficiency and programme reliability were essential, given the project’s role as an early anchor within a wider regeneration and economic transition programme.
As a flagship development within the Energy Transition Zone programme, the project needed to balance high sustainability aspirations with cost and programme certainty. Designing highly flexible accommodation capable of supporting a range of occupiers and uses presented technical and servicing challenges, particularly in ensuring long term adaptability without overengineering.
Embedding low-carbon design solutions while maintaining affordability required close collaboration across disciplines from an early stage. The project also sought to maximise local economic benefit, placing emphasis on engaging a locally based consultant team while maintaining delivery efficiency.
In addition, the buildings needed to act as a long-term asset capable of supporting future growth within the Energy Transition Zone, requiring a robust yet adaptable design approach that could respond to evolving technology, occupier demands and regulatory change.
The ETZ Energy Incubator has delivered a high-quality, low-carbon campus that meets the client’s objectives for flexibility, sustainability and long-term value. The Collaborator Innovation Hub and Incubator buildings provide a range of adaptable spaces that enable businesses to grow and transition without relocation, supporting innovation and economic development within the region.
Sustainability outcomes were embedded and monitored throughout the project, with low-carbon construction methods and energy-efficient systems supporting reduced operational energy demand. The development has been delivered within the agreed budget and programme, providing cost certainty and assurance for the client.
As an anchor project within the wider Energy Transition Zone, the incubator provides flexible facilities to support early-stage green energy innovators, skills development and collaboration. Completion in February 2026 marked the successful delivery of a key element of the wider Energy Transition Zone programme.
Sustainability credentials
Sustainability was central to the project’s design approach. The buildings incorporate a hybrid green steel and glulam structural frame, sustainably sourced timber for internal and external finishes, and high-performance insulation and airtightness. Low-carbon heating, cooling and ventilation systems were designed to minimise operational energy demand and support the client’s net-zero ambitions.
These measures ensure long-term efficiency, adaptability and alignment with the Energy Transition Zone’s vision of supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Alongside the design approach, the client implemented an ongoing carbon assessment process from early-stage design through construction and into the completed asset. This was undertaken using an independent third-party assessor to track carbon performance across design, specification and construction methodologies, as well as material supply and waste management.
“ETZ Ltd has worked with AtkinsRéalis on a number of projects, most recently the ETZ EnergyWorks development. The team performed to a high standard throughout the project, providing regular progress updates and responding positively when challenges arose. While the project presented its complexities, the AtkinsRéalis team made consultant management an efficient process, offering practical solutions and maintaining a collaborative, well-coordinated approach throughout delivery.”
David Beattie
Chief Financial Officer, Energy Transition Zone
Why SCAPE Scotland?
Using the SCAPE Scotland Consultancy framework provided significant benefits for the Energy Transition Zone, particularly as a smaller client organisation delivering a complex project. The framework offered a quicker route to market, cost certainty and reduced the burden associated with tendering and managing multiple consultancy contracts.
AtkinsRéalis’ availability and ease of engagement were highlighted as key strengths, helping to build a trusted working relationship and supporting efficient, confident decision making.
Pre-tendered rates supported value for money and provided confidence to funders, while AtkinsRéalis guided ETZ through the procurement and delivery process, offering timely advice and consistent support throughout the project lifecycle.
Social impact highlights
- Engagement of local Aberdeen-based subconsultants, all located within five miles of the site
- Low‑carbon design targets set, monitored and delivered
In collaboration with:
Meet the lead:
Rachel Park
Framework Manager
Project gallery
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